Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.